Understanding Autism and understanding my child with Autism: An evaluation of a group parent education program in rural Australia

作者：Farmer Judy^*; Reupert Andrea

来源：Australian Journal of Rural Health, 2013, 21(1): 20-27.

DOI：10.1111/ajr.12004

• Autism
• multi-stranded content
• parent education
• parent group
• rural

Objective To describe and evaluate a six-session program provided to parents of children with Autism in rural Australia. The program was designed to improve parent%26apos;s knowledge and understanding of Autism, improve their confidence in managing their child and decrease parental anxiety. Design A self-constructed questionnaire administered pre- and post-intervention. Setting An early intervention centre in a large town in rural Victoria. Participants Ninety-eight parents (or family members) of young children primarily aged 26 years of age, diagnosed with Autism. Interventions A multi-stranded content%26apos; program was offered over six evenings. Ten programs were conducted over six years. Results The pre- versus post-session analysis using a paired t-test on matched person-to-person parental responses (n=92) showed significant increases in parental understanding of Autism and understanding of their own child (P%26lt;0.001), and in understanding the communication, sensory, social, learning and behavioural features of Autism (P%26lt;0.001). Significant increases in parental confidence and a significant reduction in parental anxiety were also shown (P%26lt;0.001). Qualitative data indicated that parents valued learning about the general nature of Autism and sensory processing, and reported feeling less alone. Conclusions The six-week program was successful in terms of its aims. Parent feedback indicated that ongoing parent education sessions at regular intervals would enhance the impact of the program.

• 出版日期2013-2